The women of Conception Diaries had a chance to ask First Response expert Dr. Ahlering their questions. Check out what he had to say. You may have some of the same questions.

Anh-Chi: I've been experiencing the following "symptoms of pregnancy": cramps, tender breasts, body aches, tight muscles, sharpened sense of smell, extreme fatigue, and mood swings. I normally never experience the above during or before my menstrual period (with the exception of minor cramps). Could these signs possibly mean I'm pregnant?!
Dr. Ahlering: Possibly ... if charting menses, check the First Response pregnancy test 4 days before anticipated menses, or 10-11 days post a positive First Response LH predictor kit. This is the earliest time one can detect pregnancy. Check the pregnancy test 2-3 days in a row. If the test appears even faintly positive, confirm with a blood test via your doctor that day if possible.

Anh-Chi: You've mentioned that a woman cannot feel implantation. What explains my sharp abdominal cramps then? Could these sensations have resulted from my recent ovulation?
Dr. Ahlering: Yes, for sure.

Anh-Chi: I've read that pregnant women technically conceive the first day of their period.
Dr. Ahlering: Not true. They conceive within 24-48 hours post ovulation (determined by the kit). So by the time a woman's pregnancy test is positive, her baby is already 4 weeks along.

Pregnancy is considered "full term" at 40 weeks from last menses (again, assuming normal, regular menses) or at about 36 weeks from a positive test (taken at usually around 4 weeks pregnancy, give or take a couple days). You can also think of it as 38 weeks from ovulation time.

All of these terms and references were developed before there were home pregnancy tests or ultrasounds, and all doctors had to go on was periods and other signs/symptoms that we now know are often inaccurate ... but that was all they had. Now with products like those developed by First Response, people can learn and understand things better as well as find out these things earlier!

Anh-Chi: I'm going overseas for the next several weeks. If I happen to be pregnant, what's your best advice?
Dr. Ahlering: Have fun! Relax and enjoy.

Anh-Chi: Stress can be inevitable at times, especially during pregnancy. Do you have any recommendations to reduce that (i.e., pregnancy massage, yoga, etc.)?
Dr. Ahlering: All of these things are good ... exercise, some like acupuncture, etc., are all safe and good. Resort to meds only if serious and directed by your doctor.

Meredith: How much of a role does stress play in conception?
Dr. Ahlering: Not much, most likely ... but sometimes it can, if serious, make menses irregular by interfering with ovulation. This requires some treatment if so, to induce ovulation.

Meredith: Should I look at a dark line and a faint second line as a positive LH surge or wait for two dark lines?
Dr. Ahlering: A faint second line means likely that the surge is starting and the next day it will be peaking, so try when the second is even faint, no harm there.

Wendy: What is considered a woman's normal weight gain during pregnancy?
Dr. Ahlering: This is a tough one ... generally speaking, if one is overweight, some doctors may recommend limiting the gain. If underweight, they may suggest trying to gain more than the average 30 or so pounds. In general, one should use good dietary practices of food varieties and caloric intake, as well as taking the recommended supplements (calcium/vitamin D, omega-3 DHA/EFA capsules, and prenatal vitamins).

Exercise of some kind is also recommended depending on one's current level of activity and weight. All this should be discussed in the context of your specifics with your doctor and medical team (nurses, midwives, etc.). Dietary consultation and/or trainers can also be helpful. Proper nutrition and exercise in pregnancy cannot be overstressed.

Wendy: Is it true that a woman can be pregnant and still have her menstrual period? If so, why does this occur?
Dr. Ahlering: Not really. Menses is technically bleeding in response to ovulation. One does not ovulate when pregnant. So people mistake "bleeding" as a menses ... they are not the same. Any bleeding in pregnancy is abnormal -- this is not to say it is a serious threat to the pregnancy, but it needs evaluation if one is having bleeding in pregnancy.

Wendy: At what point in time should a woman seek medical advice after numerous failed attempts at conceiving?
Dr. Ahlering: Another tough one -- it depends on many things: female age, what they have done in the past, what evaluation has been done, and even the couple's comfort level with waiting/time. In general, assuming a woman has normal/regular ovulatory cycles (using predictor kits and normal First Response FSH kit) AND is age 34, a year of trying is reasonable. If there is anything abnormal with menses, kits, or tests regardless of age -- OR if you are 35 -- I would do an evaluation in 6 months or less of trying.

Evaluations should include, very simply:

1) Female ultrasound and blood tests to determine the ovarian reserve and follicle count. Using ultrasound, one can also assess tubal patency (HSG is not necessary).
2) Male tests should include count, motility, kruger morphology, and DNA fragmentation testing -- all are important and can be done on one sample.
3) SOMETIMES, depending on the above results, laparoscopy is needed to look for pelvic factors. This is not always needed, however.

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